The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1887-01-22
SURPRISED JOSIAH.
The Terms Upon Which Jack
Became His Partner.

Became His Partner.
Old Josiah Flcgg was by no means
tenderly attached to his nephew Jack.
The fact was that, as the sole trustee
and executor of his late brothers will,
Josiah had pccn accustomed for many
years to bully the lads widowed
mother, and had rendered the poor
lady's life a burden to her by tyrannous
interference and uncalled-for criticism.
But when Jack Flegg, who was the
widows eldest son, became old enough
to realize the position of affairs he
manifested defiant and somewhat re-
bellious spirit toward his uncle, and
championcd his mother with more ZEAL
perhaps, than discretion. The result
was that in course of time old Josiah
discovered that his ascendcncy over his
sister-in-law had ceased, that his
nephews and nicces would not brook
his interference or listen to his lectures,
and that, though welcomed with re-
spect in his late brothers. house, he
was regarded much in the same light as
an ordinary visitor-or, at best, as an
uncle and guardian who had no par
ticular claims either to reverence or
affection. This was very painful to
to Mr.. Josiah Flegg's feelings.
for, being pompous, sancti-
monious old humbug, he con-
sidered that he was the benefactor of
his deceased brothers. family, though
he would have found it difficult to justi-
fly his prctensions. Regardless of his
being rich bachelor, he was quite in
capable ofany act of kindness or gen.
erosity, and the general impression that
his nephews and nieces were more or
less dependent upon his bounty was en-
tirely erroneous, seeing that the income
which he grudgingly doled out to them
was really derived from the proceeds of
his late brothers. estate.
1t is not surprising, under these cir
cumstances, that old Josiah, being as
vindictive as he was easily cowed, re-
used to lift finger to assist in giving
Jack a start in life, and he was secretly
disappointed when the lad not only sue
ceeded in obtaining situation for him
self in the city, but even contrived to
keep it. Nevertheless, the amiable old
gentleman indulged himself in the
cheerful conviction that his nephew
was worthless scamp, and he expert
enced thrill of satisfaction when Jack
burst into his office one afternoon,
looking so agitated and anxious that it
was evident at IL glance that something
serious had happened.
"Can you give me five minutes, un-
cleP' inquired his nephew, in much
more deferential tone than usual.
"Well! well! What Is the matter?'
inquired old Josiah, quickly.
"Uncle Josiah, have come to make
an appeal to your generosity and kind
ness. l am afraid that have been, per-
haps, sometimes not quite-well, as re-
spectful as 1 might have been, don't you
know. But hope you will forget and
forgive all that. I was much younger
then, you know, and my mothers S
health is so bad that really felt bound
to stand up for her."
Jack Flegg delivered this speech in
such an eager, breathless, incoherent
manner, SO unlike his usual calm de-
meanor, that disinterested observer
would Immediately have suspected the
cause of his emotion. There was wild.
ness about the set of his necktie and q
general disregard Of appearance in his
dress which are sure tokens of love-sick-
ness. But old Josiah, not being accus
toned to interpret these tender signs
and being, moreover, of an unsenti
mental nature, could arrive at no Other
conclusion than that his nephew wa,
drunk.
go on, sir; go on. You have come
to say that you have lost your situa
tion, suppose" he said sternly.
"Oh, no!'' answered Jack, with sucl
easy assurance that his uncle's hear
sank, "nothing of the kind. In fact,
should get raise next year If / staid. '
''If you staid Amt you going t.
stay, thenP" inquired old Josiah.
'That depends upon you, uncle, '
said Jack, very humbly. "The fact i
that have no chance of making an,
thing of an income for years to come
In time, no doubt, should obtain de
cent position, but that will not be TO
years--until too late, in fact"
"Too late for whatp" inquired oil,
Josiah, more convinced than ever tina
his nephew was intoxicated.
II am coming to that, Uncle Josiah
Tho truth is, said Jack, looking int
the crown Of his hat and evincing 9th
or symptoms of embarrassment, 18th
truth Is thaa am engaged"